“His pontificate has been very much in line with popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI,” he said. “The message is the same, except I will say this: Pope Francis has put a very strong emphasis on mercy and forgiveness.”

Richert, 45, said 40- to 60-year-olds who have fallen away from the church are listening to what Francis is saying.

“They are fascinated by Pope Francis,” he said. “I know of a number of them who have started coming back to Mass because of what they’ve heard from him.”